The lists were selected from a total of 254 nominations by youth librarians from across the UK and Alison Brumwell, chair of the judging panel, said: “I am overwhelmed by the calibre of this year’s longlists. The authors and illustrators recognised this year for their outstanding achievements have produced works which entertain, challenge, inspire, and even outrage. The forty books selected by judges offer intimate insights into family life, superb world-building and thoughtful, incisive explorations of complex themes and issues. Young readers have the opportunity to encounter characters in a diverse range of narratives who both reflect their own experiences and build empathy for different ways of living.” – The Bookseller

The shortlist will be announced on 19th March, and the winner will be revealed on 18th June at an event at The British Library.